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iAremyhair believes in giving our customers ample information so that they can make wise decisions regarding hair loss treatment.

For this purpose, we will be introducing a series of topics that offer insight and objective viewpoints. Topics range from basics of hair to hair loss causes to treatment options to other related and interesting issues.

To ensure that our readers get the most out of our newsletters, we have condensed information from established publications and online reference materials such that each topic can be easily digested. iAremyhair invites you on this journey and welcomes your comments.

A pill a day will keep your hair loss at bay? Unfortunately, the magic hair pill has yet to be invented. For now, what we do have are some medications, to be applied orally or topically, scientifically proven for treating hair loss. We are going to look at some of the most effective medications so far that can help to slow down the hair loss rate and promote some re-growth. However, individual results vary and it's important to recognise the capabilities and limitations of these treatments before you start using one. Most of these drugs will work as long as you are taking it but within months of discontinuing treatment, hair loss will reinstate but the possible side effects will cease to exist. Also, one has to be patient as these drugs take some time for effects to show.

FINASTERIDE (PROPECIA)

Propecia is the brand name for the drug finasteride which could treat both enlarged prostate gland as well as genetic hair loss. Finasteride works by effectively blocking one form of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone - the male sex hormone that shortens the growth phase of the hair cycle). When you take the drug orally, it reaches the bloodstream and the scalp hair follicles where it decreases the amount of DHT made in the hair follicles.

One milligram of finasteride per day can help to preserve the hair you've got at any age but it works best in younger patients, those who have had recent hair loss in the past two to three years or those who start finasteride early in the thinning process. Finasteride must be taken for at least one full year before its effects can be determined. And if you stop taking the drug, the hair loss process will resume within 2 to 6 months of discontinuing this treatment.

One possible side effect of taking Propecia is the loss of sex drive and some form of sexual dysfunction (decreased volume of ejaculate, erectile dysfunction) in one to two percent of patients as a result of reducing levels of DHT circulating in the blood. Treatment with Viagra can be helpful in these cases. This side effect generally disappears within a few weeks after discontinuing finasteride. Other rare side effects such as breast enlargement or mood changes have been reported.

Currently, finasteride isn't recommended for women and especially pregnant ones as it will have undesirable effects on the fetus.

MINOXIDIL (ROGAINE)

Topical Minoxidil which is also known as the brand name Rogaine is the first *FDAapproved medication for treating hair loss. It's a solution that's applied directly to the scalp. Before Minoxidil was available as a topical treatment, it existed as a prescription drug to be taken orally for treating high blood pressure.

It's unknown how minoxidil works exactly but it may cause blood vessel to dilate and thus increases blood flow to the hair follicle. It also increases the hair follicle growth cycle and improves the quality of hair by increasing the diameter of miniaturised hair.

Results vary with individuals and when it works, benefits are visible between 6 months to 2 years of usage. However, results show up better in those who are in the early stages of pattern hair loss, with diffuse hair loss, with smaller bald spots, or with thinning on the tops of their heads rather than at the hairline. It does work for women but only the 2 percent instead of the 5 percent concentration has been approved for their use. Some women using extra strength minoxidil lotion experience increased facial hair growth. The most common side effect is minor scalp irritation which may include itching, inflammation, dryness or flaking. Minoxidil can also cause birth defects and so it's not an option for women who are planning to be pregnant. As with Finasteride, the effects wear off if you stop using Minoxidil.

* FDA - Food & Drug Administration

HIGH ESTROGEN ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES

Women inherit a tendency for pattern hair loss just as men do. But in women, DHT is usually blocked by high levels of estrogens in the blood but as estrogen levels begin to decline around the age of forty, thinning hair can result.

Oral contraceptives or birth control pills work well, only for women of course, to inhibit the production of androgens (including testosterone) by the ovaries and adrenal glands, which results in lower levels of DHT and therefore hair thinning. In addition to reducing hair loss, other benefits include the reduction of the risk of pregnancy, improved skin tone and reduced acne. For women beginning menopause, the advantages are increased bone mass, decreased occurrence of hot flashes and tempered mood swings.

The risks of taking this contraceptive include elevated risk of uterine cancer and for older women, an increased risk of cardiovascular complications and breast cancer.

SPIRONOLACTONE (ALDACTONE)

Spironolactone (brand name Aldactone) is a drug that's FDA-approved to treat congestive heart failure and high blood pressure. Currently, it's a medication for treating women with three common problems : acne, hirsutism (too much hair, especially on the face) and androgenetic alopecia. It can be taken as a pill or made into a lotion that's applied directly to the scalp, usually along with minoxidil. One disadvantage of spironolactone lotion is its disagreeable smell.

The risks associated with this pill are increased risk of bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, although a definite link hasn't been established. Men can't use this pill as it can cause breast enlargement and decreased sexual function.

Spironolactone is for women what Finasteride is for men in preventing hair loss. A potent anti-androgen that binds to DHT receptor sites on hair follicles and thus preventing the 'hair-loss message' from getting to the follicles.

Reference Materials

Panagotacos, Peter J, M.D. "Hair Loss Answers". USA : Author's Publishing Cooperative, 2005.

Rassman, William R, M.D. and Bernstein, Robert M, M.D. "Hair Loss & Replacement for Dummies" USA : Wiley Publishing, Inc, 2009.